LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. — Incumbent Allentown Mayor Matthew Tuerk and Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds were the apparent winners in the Democratic primaries Tuesday, positioning them for reelection in the Nov. 4 general election.
Allentown
Tuerk, seeking a second term, faced a primary challenge from City Councilman Ed Zucal. The Democratic primary effectively determined the general election outcome, with no Republican candidates on the ballot
Tuerk’s campaign emphasized achievements from his first term, including reductions in crime rates, affordable housing improvements and enhancements to the city’s credit rating. Tuerk’s victory in the primary sets the stage for his continued leadership in Allentown, despite criticism from Zucal regarding city management.
Roger MacLean seemed likely to secure the Republican nomination for Lehigh County executive, defeating Mike Welsh. Rep. Josh Siegel won the Democratic nomination unopposed.
Bethlehem
Reynolds seemed likely to win the Democratic primary against City Councilwoman Grace Crampsie Smith. He highlighted his administration’s focus on economic revitalization, fiscal health and housing affordability during the campaign.
Crampsie Smith’s campaign centered on concerns about housing development and affordability, criticizing certain redevelopment projects that involved the demolition of existing affordable housing units. Reynolds’ likely primary victory positions him for a second term.
The general elections are poised to reaffirm their leadership in Allentown and Bethlehem, with both incumbents advancing from their primaries.
County Controller Tara Zrinski claimed victory over Amy Cozze in the Democratic primary for Northampton County executive. Republican Tom Giovanni won unopposed.
Results breakdown
Allentown mayor
Matt Tuerk (Incumbent) 80.08%, 4,113 votes
Ed Zucal 19.92%, 1,023 votes
Bethlehem mayor
J. William Reynolds (Incumbent) 64.96%, 3,007 votes
Grace Crampsie Smith 34.98%, 1,619 votes
Lehigh County executive
Josh Siegel 100.00%, 19,202 votes
Roger MacLean 54.20%, 5,715 votes
Mike Welsh 45.80%, 4,830 votes
Northampton County executive
Tom Giovanni 99.31%, 12,164 votes
Tara Zrinski 56.80%, 13,491 votes
Amy Cozze 43.01%, 10,216 votes
Allentown City Council
Voters chose 4 candidates who will run for city council in the general election.
Cynthia Mota (Incumbent) 17.02%, 2,821 votes
Jeremy Binder 16.81%, 2,787 votes
Natalie Santos (Incumbent) 15.08%, 2,499 votes
Daryl L. Hendricks (Incumbent) 13.42%, 2,224 votes
Christian Pungo 13.24%, 2,194 votes
Patrick Palmer 12.62%, 2,092 votes
Ben Stemrich 11.82%, 1,960 votes
Bethlehem City Council
Voters chose 4 candidates who will run for city council in the general election.
Rachel Leon (Incumbent) 19.92%, 3,002 votes
Hillary Kwiatek (Incumbent) 19.30%, 2,908 votes
Justin Amann 18.93%, 2,852 votes
Jo Daniels 15.40%, 2,320 votes
Tina Cantelmi 14.55%, 2,192 votes
Celeste Dee 11.79%, 1,777 votes
Voter Turnout
Northampton – ~17.7%
Lehigh – ~16.3%
All statistics above are as of 8:12am, Wed May 21 and votes are still being counted.
Please check back for updated results throughout today.
